Berkachy_et_al_R1_RAW DATA.xlsx

Group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s), traditionally linked to type 2 responses against helminths and allergens, have recently been implicated in bacterial infections. Here, we show that colonic lamina propria ILC2s expand during <i>Citrobacter rodentium</i> infection and produce IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13—cytokines associated with barrier maintenance and tissue repair. This expansion is driven by IL-18, as neutralising IL-18 with IL-18BP reduced ILC2 numbers, while IL-18 administration in <i>Il22</i>^<em>-/-</em>mice restored ILC2 expansion. Additionally, IL-13 blockade reduced IL-10 and IL-22 levels in the colon, suggesting that ILC2s may help shape a protective cytokine environment during infection with this enteric Gram-negative pathogen.